The Taiyuan-2 power station is a major coal-fired power generation facility located in China, with a robust capacity of 1260 MW. Commissioned in 2006, this power plant is an integral part of the national energy system, contributing significantly to the energy mix that powers the nation. Utilizing coal as its primary fuel source, the Taiyuan-2 power station is pivotal in meeting the electricity needs of various sectors, including industry and residential consumption. Set against the coordinates 37.9870° N latitude and 112.5190° E longitude, the Taiyuan-2 power station is positioned in Shanxi Province, an area known for its rich coal deposits and industrial activity. The facility’s power generation capability is essential for the local grid, ensuring that electricity supply remains stable and adequate for the province's economic activities. As Shanxi continues to develop its industrial base, the Taiyuan-2 power station is critical in providing the necessary energy support for ongoing growth. The generation technology implemented at the Taiyuan-2 power station is characteristic of traditional thermal power generation, where coal is burned to produce steam that drives turbines for electricity generation. This established method remains a key player in China's energy landscape, providing a dependable electricity supply amid a backdrop of increasing environmental scrutiny. With its 1260 MW capacity, the Taiyuan-2 power station plays a significant role in satisfying regional energy demands, particularly during peak times. Within the framework of China’s energy policies, the Taiyuan-2 power station illustrates the country’s efforts to balance the need for energy security with the imperative of reducing environmental impacts. The government is actively pursuing initiatives to improve the efficiency of coal-fired power plants while transitioning towards more sustainable energy solutions. Overall, the Taiyuan-2 power station is a vital facility in China’s energy generation portfolio, ensuring that the energy needs of its consumers are met while navigating the complexities of energy production and environmental responsibility.
1.26 GW
20 years old
China, Asia
- Primary Fuel Type
- Coal
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
China- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
The Taiyuan-2 power station, located in Shanxi Province, China, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a total capacity of 1260 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2006, the facility is owned by Shanxi Datang International Power Generation Co Ltd, a prominent player in the region's energy sector. As one of the key components of China's vast energy infrastructure, Taiyuan-2 plays a crucial role in meeting the country's ever-growing electricity demand, particularly in the industrial and urban areas of Shanxi and neighboring provinces.
The power plant primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source. Coal has been the backbone of China's energy generation for decades, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity. The use of coal in power generation involves the combustion of the fuel to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators. While coal-fired power plants like Taiyuan-2 are vital for energy production, they are also associated with several technical and environmental challenges. The combustion of coal releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to air quality issues and climate change.
In the context of China's energy landscape, Taiyuan-2 contributes to the country's strategy of energy security and stability. Given its significant capacity, the power station aids in balancing supply and demand in the electrical grid, especially during peak usage periods. Shanxi Province, rich in coal resources, has positioned itself as a major energy producer, and facilities like Taiyuan-2 are integral to sustaining the region's economic growth and development.
However, the environmental impact of coal-fired power plants has raised concerns among policymakers, environmentalists, and the general public. The emissions from Taiyuan-2, like those from similar facilities, pose challenges to achieving cleaner air and reducing the carbon footprint. As a result, there has been an increasing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner energy sources in China, including renewables like wind and solar, and enhancing efficiency in existing coal plants through technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Regionally, the Taiyuan-2 power station serves not only as a power supplier but also as a driver of local employment and economic activity. The construction and operation of such a large facility create jobs and stimulate investments in infrastructure and services. Despite the push for cleaner energy, coal remains a critical element of China's energy mix for the foreseeable future, and power stations like Taiyuan-2 will continue to play a prominent role in the country's energy sector while efforts to mitigate their environmental impacts are explored and implemented.
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.